Approval of Pembrolizumab Enfortumab Therapy: Insights on Efficacy, Costs, and Patient Eligibility

By João L. Carapinha

April 8, 2025

The German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has approved a new indication for Pembrolizumab Enfortumab therapy in combination with Enfortumab Vedotin as a first-line treatment for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. This decision is based on a structured benefit assessment comparing this therapy to standard treatments. It focuses on patients’ eligibility for cisplatin-based regimens. For those ineligible for either cisplatin or carboplatin, no additional benefit was found.

Clinical Effectiveness Overview

  • Mortality Benefits: In cisplatin-eligible patients, the combination therapy showed a mortality benefit but lacked quantifiable superiority over cisplatin/gemcitabine. For carboplatin-eligible patients, it demonstrated significant mortality improvement compared to carboplatin/gemcitabine, along with symptomatic benefits like reduced nausea and constipation. However, for patients ineligible for both, no efficacy was shown over alternatives like Atezolizumab monotherapy or best supportive care.

Economic Aspects

  • Cost Implications: The annual treatment costs for Pembrolizumab Enfortumab therapy are much higher than standard therapies, estimated at €181,464 per patient. Standard options include carboplatin, and gemcitabine, or maintenance therapy with avelumab, depending on the regimen and patient subgroup.

Safety Profile and Adverse Events

  • Benefits and Risks: The combination therapy has advantages, such as fewer severe adverse effects, and risks, including immune-related side effects like severe hyperglycemia.

Regulatory and Assessment Framework

The G-BA conducts early benefit assessments under the Arzneimittelmarkt-Neuordnungsgesetz (AMNOG). This process compares new therapies against existing standards to ensure efficient resource use in Germany’s statutory health insurance (GKV) system. Pembrolizumab is a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor, while Enfortumab Vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate targeting Nectin-4.

Implications for Healthcare Economics and Access

  1. Healthcare Economics: The high cost of Pembrolizumab Enfortumab therapy raises affordability concerns. Its benefits for some subpopulations may limit widespread use.
  2. Reimbursement Challenges: High costs and limited evidence for certain groups may hinder reimbursement. Price negotiations with GKV payers could lead to reductions.
  3. Addressing Unmet Needs: The lack of benefits for cisplatin- and carboplatin-ineligible patients highlights the need for alternative treatments. More research could improve outcomes.

Final Reflections

The G-BA’s decision reflects a tailored approach to clinical effectiveness. While Pembrolizumab Enfortumab therapy shows promise for select groups, its high costs and selective effectiveness emphasize the need for precision medicine and cost containment. For details, see the G-BA’s official assessment.

Reference url

Recent Posts

lung health resolution
 

Aligning Market Access Strategies with the WHO’s Global Lung Health Resolution

🌍 Are your access strategies aligned with the WHO’s Lung Health Resolution?

The World Health Organization’s landmark resolution promotes integrated, equity-driven approaches to lung health—emphasizing prevention, early detection, and access to care. With strong support from the stakeholders, this global initiative sets a new direction for national health priorities.

Why is this relevant for oncology and respiratory access strategies—and what can your team do to stay ahead?

Explore how aligning with this evolving policy landscape can strengthen market access, support reimbursement goals, and drive long-term impact.

#SyenzaNews #globalhealth #healthcarepolicy #WHO #LungHealth

South Africa health reform
     

South Africa Health Reform: A Critical Examination of Universal Coverage Proposals

💡 Is South Africa’s healthcare system in dire need of reform?

In an analysis, Robert Yates argues for abandoning the “American model” of healthcare in South Africa and motivates the adoption of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act as a solution to the inequities in the current system. However, he overlooks critical economic considerations and unique implementation challenges that could impact the success of such reforms.

Curious about the potential pitfalls and paths forward for South Africa’s health policy?

#SyenzaNews #healthcare #HealthEconomics

orphan paediatric devices
          

EU Establishes Expert Panel for Orphan Paediatric Devices

🌟 Are we doing enough to support medical innovations for rare diseases among children?

The European Commission is taking a significant step by proposing a dedicated expert panel for orphan paediatric devices. This initiative aims to provide crucial scientific and clinical guidance tailored to the unique challenges of developing medical devices for children and rare diseases.

Curious about how this proposal can reshape the future of healthcare for vulnerable populations? Jump into the article to uncover the details!

#SyenzaNews #MedTech #HealthcareInnovation #MarketAccess

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.